Chicken, Quinoa, and Vegetable Salad

This nutritious and colorful salad with chicken, quinoa, and vegetables is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of juicy, golden-brown chicken with rich quinoa, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and roasted pumpkin makes this salad incredibly delicious and texturally diverse. Pumpkin seeds and a seed mix add crunch and a healthy dose of nutrients, while lemon juice and olive oil provide a refreshing touch. This salad is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a balance between health, flavor, and simplicity in preparation!

Recipe for Chicken, Quinoa, and Vegetable Salad

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 2 chicken fillets (about 400 g)
• 150 g quinoa
• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 200 g roasted pumpkin cubes
• 50 g black olives, sliced
• 30 g pumpkin seeds
• 30 g seed mix (sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds)
• 4-5 kale leaves, finely chopped
• 100 g croutons
• Olive oil, for marinating and dressing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon, for dressing
• Spices for the chicken (such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme), to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under running water and cook it according to the instructions on the package. Drain and let it cool.
2. Marinating the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and desired spices. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. Cooking the chicken: Heat a grill pan or a regular pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken on each side for 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
4. Preparing the vegetables and seeds: Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and finely chop the kale. Roast or cook the pumpkin cubes until tender (if not already roasted).
5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, kale, tomatoes, olives, pumpkin cubes, croutons, and seed mix. Season with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Serving: Divide the salad into serving bowls and top with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

Preparation Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 40 minutes

This nutritious and colorful salad is a perfect choice for a balanced and delicious meal, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber!